'Results a setback;UDF to discuss reasons for unexpected rout'

KOTTAYAM (KER): Stunned by the shocking defeat in the Assembly polls, Kerala Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Oommen Chandy today said the results were "a setback" and the party and UDF headed by it would discuss in detail the reasons for the "unexpected" rout.

A visibly upset Chandy, however, dismissed suggestions that the UDF decision to field tainted leaders as candidates in the crucial poll was the reason for the Congress-led alliance's defeat.

The Congress leader said he as the UDF chairman has more responsibility in its defeat in the elections.

"No doubt it is an unexpected verdict. We didn't expect such a defeat. Both party and the UDF have responsibility in the defeat. I have more responsibility because I am the chairman of the front," Chandy told reporters.

Asked whether the party's decision to give tickets to the tainted ministers had backfired, he said "I don't think so. But we will meet and discuss (the defeat) at party level and UDF level," he said.

While KPCC Chief V M Sudheeran had opposed candidature of Congress leaders, including Excise Minister K Babu and Revenue Minister Adoor Prakash in the elections on grounds that they faced corruption charges, both Chandy and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala had thrown their weight behind their ministerial colleagues.